Blog: National Lost Pet Prevention Month Series: Open Doors and Windows

As we experience warmer weather, we’re all ready and willing to fling our windows open, get out in the yard, hang out on the porch, etc. Before doing all of that, we must remember that open doors and windows create the perfect escape route for our pets! Here are some ways that we can prevent our pets from slipping outside on their own:

1. Check your fences, and window/sliding door screens before going outside/opening them. Before opening the doors and windows or heading out into the yard, check to see if your window/sliding door screens and/or fences have holes in them. This is especially true for those who live in areas that experience harsher winters, as cold and heavy snow can do some serious damage! Checking beforehand reassures you that you won’t have any surprises later.
2. Lock up pets when cleaning or airing out the house. When the cleaning bug hits, put your pets away! As you’re airing out certain areas in your house, lock your pets in a room where the windows are not currently open. Leave them with some toys & water, then let them out again when you’re done with your cleaning spree.
3. Deter your pets from hanging out near doors. If your pet likes to hangout close to windows and doors to attempt an escape, here are some unharmful deterrents that could help:

For Cats:

• Spray a citrus-smelling, non-toxic spray around the base of the door.
• Place a cat-tree near their favorite window so they won’t be as tempted to hang out near an open door.
• Positively reinforce your cat being away from the door. Example: giving them treats when they are near or on a cat-tree or in a different room.

For Dogs:

• Leave a barrier (such as a baby gate) between a room your dog is in and a door to the outside if you are going in and out a lot.
• Supervise your dogs when they are playing in the yard.
• Begin a training program positively reinforcing them when they are calm at the door.
• Keep your pet tired (easier said than done!) so they don’t have as much energy to escape. Example: If you’re doing a lot of chores that require an open door in the afternoon, take your pup out for playtime or a long walk in the morning.

Remember: you should periodically login and update your contact information in PetLink to ensure you have the most updated contact information on your pet’s profile. Should your pet manage to get out and be found, you’ll be able to be contacted quickly.

We hope you and your pets have a safe and happy summer!